MLS: FC Cincinnati 1 of 4 finalists for league expansion

The stadium would take $75 million in TIF and other funds often used for development projects. Roughly half the money would come from Cincinnati, ranking it among the largest deals the city has approved.
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FC Cincinnati midfielder Kenney Walker (6) celebrates after scoring on a free kick in the second half during the USL soccer match between the New York Red Bulls II and FC Cincinnati, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati won 4-2. (Photo: The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar)

The field of 12 that's been vying for Major League Soccer expansion bids for the better part of a year has been culled to four finalists, and Futbol Club Cincinnati made the cut.

MLS on Wednesday morning announced soccer organizations in Cincinnati, Sacramento, Nashville and Detroit had been selected to make a formal presentation for MLS Commissioner Don Garber and the league's expansion committee on Dec. 6.

“The leaders of the Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento MLS expansion ownership groups have bold visions and innovative plans for their clubs, stadiums and their involvement in their respective communities,” Garber said in a statement. “We are pleased these highly-respected business and sports leaders have been so determined to bring Major League Soccer to their cities.

A total of 12 markets submitted formal bids in January for the expansion slots. Cincinnati and the other three specified Wednesday will be vying for the next two slots.

“I have never seen anything like the excitement the soccer team has brought. I attend games," Vice Mayor David Mann said in response to the announcement. "There is something different going on there and we need to make sure we tap into it.”